2002 Archive

Saturday, April 12, 2003

Walsh Football Scrimmage at Fawcett Stadium 4/12/03

Maroon 21 Gold 7

Walsh's Maroon squad defeated the Gold squad 21-7 at Fawcett
Stadium today, as spring football came to a close. The Maroon
scored on its first possession (1st QT, 4:38) on an eight yard pass
from Mike Hoover to Chris Brink and scored in each of the first
three quarters. Dan Sapanaro gave the Maroon a 14-0 second quarter
lead with a three-yard score with 5:41 left in the first half. The
defense scored the final Maroon tally as Brandon Carter picked-off
a Dan Kane pass and raced 26 yards for a TD with 6:33 left in the
third quarter. The Gold's only score came after they recovered a
fumble deep in Maroon territory in the fourth period. Raphael
Worthy then scored from three yards out.

The Gold's Raphael Worthy led all rushers with 70 yards. Derek
Besgrove ran for 60 yards for the Maroon.

Walsh opens the 2003 season at home against Westminster on
September 6.

Thursday, April 10, 2003

"Cavs Will Conclude Spring Practice With Maroon/Gold
Game at Fawcett Stadium on Saturday"

Walsh will conclude its spring football practice with the annual
Maroon/Gold game at Fawcett Stadium at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April
12. The game is free and open to the public. Walsh coaches will
hold a draft of players on Thursday and the teams will play four
12-minute quarters.

"Our players and coaches are excited about the game and the
draft of the players," said Walsh Head Football Coach Jim Dennison.
"We've had great practices and are anticipating a hard-hitting
game."

Walsh begins its ninth season of intercollegiate football on
Saturday, September 6 at home against Westminster College.

Walsh University Head Football Coach and Director of Athletics
Jim Dennison has announced the full-time hiring of Kevin Henderson
as the Cavs Offensive Backfield Coach and Director of the Cavalier
Athletic Club, the athletic fundraising unit of the university.
Henderson replaces Dean Walendzak, who resigned in January.
Henderson has served as a part-time assistant on Dennison's staff
the past four years.

"I am extremely pleased with the addition of Henderson to the
full-time staff,"exclaimed Dennison. "Coach Henderson has been
instrumental in our success the past four years and will be a vital
part of our future successes. His work with our tailbacks and
fullbacks speaks for itself. He is a good one."

The multi-talented Henderson has served as the Cavs' offensive
backfield coach in each of the last four years. Prior to his coming
to Walsh as a part-time assistant coach, Henderson spent nine years
coaching at the high school level. Kevin coached at his alma mater,
Canton Timken for five years and spent four years at GlenOak High
School. Henderson leaves Timken, where he has been the attendance
officer since 1990. Henderson's years at GlenOak were with Fred
Thomas, who now serves as Walsh's Defensive Coordinator. Henderson
earned his associate's degree from Kent State University and earned
his bachelor's degree at Walsh. He has three daughters, Leilani,
Malia and Noryonna and a son, Kevin ll. He resides in
Canton.

Besgrove (tailback), who earned honorable mention status last
year, averaged 5.2 yards per carry and scored 18 touchdowns while
rushing for 1,679 yards. He also set a Walsh single game rushing
mark with 317 yards and has rushed for 3,957 career yards. He is
Walsh's all-time leader with 49 touchdowns.

Lyons led the MSFA and NAIA in kick returns averaging 34.0 yards
per return with 1 touchdown. As a defensive back, he led the MSFA
in interceptions with 7, returning 2 for touchdowns. Lyons was
honorable mention on the Hansen Gazette team last year.

Brink earned third team for the second straight year after
pacing the Cavs with 39 receptions for 610 yards and 6 touchdowns.
He averaged 15.6 yards per catch. He was a second team selection as
a freshman.

Berkowitz, who led the Cavs with 8 sacks and 14 tackles for a
loss, was selected to the Hansen team for the first time. Hemming,
Walsh's all-time interception leader with 18, picked off 5 passes
this past season and recorded 41 tackles. He is on the Hansen team
for the first time. Lowther, a first time Hansen selection,
anchored an offensive line that produced 28 touchdowns and averaged
228 yards rushing per game. Racick, a first time Hansen pick,
earned honorable mention honors for the first time after setting a
Walsh single-season record with 120 tackles.

Walsh finished the 2002 season 8-3 and 4-2 in the Mideast of the
Mid-States Football Association.

This year mark the 15th year that the Don Hansen Football
Gazette, a recognized authority on small college football, has
selected an NAIA All-American team.

Besgrove (tailback) earns NAIA All-American honors for the
second time. He was a honorable mention selection as a freshman. He
averaged 5.2 yards per carry and scored 18 touchdowns, while
rushing for 1,679 yards. The MSFA Mideast Offensive Player of the
Year also set a Walsh single game rushing mark with 317 yards. He
has rushed for 3,957 career yards and is Walsh's all-time leader
with 49 touchdowns.

Lyons led the MSFA and NAIA in kick returns averaging 34.0 yards
per return with 1 touchdown. As a defensive back, he led the MSFA
in interceptions with 7, returning 2 for touchdowns.

Brink (tight end) earned honorable mention accolades for the
third straight year, after pacing the Cavs with 39 receptions for
610 yards and 6 touchdowns. He averaged 15.6 yards per catch.
Lowther, at tackle, again anchored an offensive line that produced
an average of 228 yards rushing per game and 28 touchdowns. Racick
(linebacker) earned honorable mention honors for the first time
after setting a Walsh single-season tackle record with 120.

Frank and Zapolnik were each named NAIA Scholar Athletes,
Zapolnik for the second straight time. Frank is history major with
a 3.80 grade point average. Zapolnik is an education major with a
3.66 grade point average. Werner is a corporate communications
major and carries a 3.31 grade point average.

Wednesday, November 20, 2002

"Derek Besgrove MSFA Mideast Player of the Year, Fred
Thomas Assistant Coach of the Year"

Walsh University junior tailback, Derek Besgrove (Oregon,
OH/Clay), has been selected as the Mid-States Football Association
Mideast Player of the Year. Besgrove, who set single game (317
yards) and single season rushing marks (1,679 yards), was a first
team MSFA Mideast selection for the third consecutive season and
top vote getter at tailback. Besgrove averaged 5.2 yards per carry
and led the Cavs with 18 touchdowns. He has rushed for 3,957 career
yards and is Walsh's all-time leader with 49 touchdowns. Walsh
defensive coordinator Fred Thomas was selected as the Mideast MSFA
Assistant Coach of the Year. Walsh surrendered only 15.3 points per
game and recorded two shutouts.

Brink earned first team honors for the third straight time and
received more votes than any other tight end. He led the Cavs with
39 catches for 610 yards with 6 touchdowns. He averaged 15.6 yards
per catch. Lowther, who helped anchor the offensive line at tackle,
received first team honors for the first time. He was a second team
selection last season. Berkowitz earned first team honors for the
first time. The Cavs defensive tackle led the team with 14 tackles
for a loss and with 6 sacks. Racick blossomed into one of the
MSFA's top linebackers. He led the Cavs with a single season record
120 tackles, 72 solo. Double-threat Lyons led the MSFA with 7
interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. He also had 63 tackles
and broke-up 5 passes. Lyons also led the MSFA and the NAIA in
kickoff returns, averaging 34.0 yards per return with 1 touchdown.
He was honorable mention at defensive back last year, but a first
team kick return selection. Hemming, Walsh's all-time leader in
interceptions (18), is a first team choice for the first time. He
earned second team accolades as a sophomore. This past season he
was second with 5 interceptions and broke-up 6 passes.

Beebe, at outside linebacker, recorded 44 tackles, 6 for a loss
with 5 sacks and an interception. Letera earned honors for the
first time at center and Quinn for the first time at nose guard.
Letera started every game at center the last two years. Quinn
recorded 57 tackles, 10 for a loss with 2 sacks.

Walsh finished 8-3 for the second straight season and 4-2 in the
Mideast of the Mid-States Football Association.

The effort was obvious. The hard work put forth in two-a-days
and during season looked like it might payoff into a second
championship and a first ever NAIA playoff berth for the Walsh
football team. But the end result was a disheartening 40-29 loss to
playoff bound Saint Francis, ending the Cavs season at 8-3 overall
and 4-2 in the Mideast of the Mid-States Football Association. Even
though the Cavs failed to defend the league title and qualify for
the post season, 2002 was by no means a failure for the maroon and
gold. Walsh won eight games for a second straight year to equal
their record for wins in a single season. The Cavs also produced
their eighth consecutive winning season. They have never had a
losing season. The Cavs sport an all-time record of 55-30.

Walsh battled the high scoring Cougars tooth and nail for 60
minutes on Saturday, falling short only on the scoreboard. The
first quarter ended 7-7. Saint Francis led at the half 27-19. Walsh
had a golden opportunity to draw closer at the end of the half, but
suffered an interception at the goal line in the waning moments of
the half. The Cougars increased their lead to 34-22 after three
quarters, setting the stage for a dramatic final period. Walsh
battled back in fourth quarter to trim the Cougar lead to 34-29,
after an interception by Matt Beebe (LB, So., Perry Twp, OH/Perry)
and a 27 yard run by Derek Besgrove (TB, Jr., Oregon, OH/HS). The
Cavs then held the Cougars on the next possession, but went three
and out to give the ball back to Saint Francis midway through the
final quarter. It looked like the Cavs would get one final
opportunity for victory when Saint Francis fumbled the ball, with
Walsh recovering on their own 35 yard line with 4½ minutes
to play. But after a huddle by the officials, they ruled that the
ball carrier was down and the ball was returned to the Cougars. The
call was one of many questionable calls, as the Cavs were flagged
for 10 penalties to Saint Francis' three. The Cougars took
advantage of the situation to add an insurance TD to ice the game.
Walsh scored 29 points in 23 minutes with many outstanding efforts
and big plays. Darryl Lyons (DB, So., Toledo, OH/Waite) returned a
kick-off 84 yards for a TD. Lyons led the MSFA in return average
(34.0) and in interceptions with 7. Besgrove scored on runs of 38
and 27 yards and finished the season with 18 TDs and a league
leading 1,679 yards. He rushed for 152 yards against Saint Francis.
Jay Racick (LB, Jr., Girard, OH/HS) led the Cavs with 15 tackles
and set a single season mark with 120 tackles. Walsh was ranked
23rd in the final NAIA poll.

The all-league team will be announced on Wednesday. Walsh will
hold its season-ending banquet on Sunday at Skyland Pines and 1
p.m.

St. Francis - Kevin Donley is 38-18 at St. Francis and in his
5th year. Overall collegiate (153-101-1, 24th yr.)

WALSH: Walsh exploded for 38 first half points in their 51-0
rout of Urbana. All of Walsh's points came in the first three
quarters. Derek Besgrove (Jr., Oregon, OH/Clay) rushed for 197
yards and scored two TDs (3,1 yds.), all in the first half.
Besgrove also set a single season mark for rushing with 1,527
yards. Winston Woods (Sr., Key Largo, FL/Coral Shores) completed
6-10 passes for 137 yards and 2 TDs, all in the first half. Chris
Brink (Jr., Wadsworth, OH) caught four passes for 100 yards, one
for a 27 yard score which opened the scoring in the first quarter.
Defensive back Darryl Lyons (So., Toledo, OH/Waite) intercepted a
pass in the second quarter and returned it 75 yards for a score.
For Lyons, it was his MSFA league leading 7th interception and the
second time that he has returned an interception for a TD. Walsh
out-gained Urbana 486 to 215 and rushed for 324 yards.

STILL IN THE HUNT: Walsh is still very much in the hunt for a NAIA
playoff berth and the Mideast title. If Walsh wins today, they will
qualify for the post season for the first time and gain at least a
co-championship in the MSFA. If Walsh and Tri-State win, there will
be a three-way tie for the Mideast crown, as there was last
year.

IT'S A MATCH: The Cavs 8-2 record matches their mark for this time
last season. Walsh equaled a school record for wins in a singles
season (8), with their win over Urbana last week. A win today would
set a new school record. The Cavs finished 8-3 last season.

TOP 25: Walsh moved up one notch from 18th to 17th in the latest
NAIA Top 25. The Cavs have a better or the same record as five
teams ahead of the them in the poll. St. Francis remained number
six.

ROAD WARRIORS: Walsh's all-time road record is 27-13.

LEADERS: Derek Besgrove leads the MSFA in rushing yardage (1,527)
and in yards per game (152.7). He is second in scoring (9.6 ppg)
and in touchdowns with 16. Darryl Lyons leads the MSFA lead with 7
interceptions. He has the top kick return average (33.3), but fails
to quality for not meeting minimum returns. Walsh is second in
turnover margin at plus 14.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Each week the Cavs have won, except this
past week, they have had a MSFA Player of the Week on either
offense or defense. Walsh's Derek Besgrove has been named MSFA
Mideast Offensive Player of the Week three times and NAIA National
Offensive Player of the Week once. Darryl Lyons was named MSFA
Defensive Player of the Week twice and NAIA National Player of the
Week. Other winners include Winston Woods (offense), Andy Berkowitz
(defensive) and Doug Schwaberow (defensive).

ST. FRANCIS: (9-0, 5-0) can win the Mideast title outright with
a win today. They tied for the for title with their win over
Tri-State (48-28) last week. The Cougars have either won the title
outright or shared it in each of the last three years. The Cougars,
who are averaging 48.1 points per game, jumped to a 21-0 first half
lead and then scored 20 fourth quarter points to ice the win.
Tailback Luther Stroder rushed for 102 yards and scored 4
touchdowns, reaching the end zone on runs of 2, 5, 6 and 7 yards.
The Cougars balanced attack produced 194 yards on the ground and
192 yards through the air. Stroder has scored 20 TDs to lead the
MSFA. He is averaging 8.3 yards per carry and has rushed for 837
yards. Quarterback Antoine Taylor has passed for 1,986 yards with
13 TDs and 12 interceptions. Stroder has also been Taylor's
favorite receiver with 27 catches, one for a TD.

SERIES: This will be the 5th meeting between the Cavs and
Cougars, with St. Francis holding a 3-1 advantage. St. Francis won
30-12 at Walsh last year in the season finale. The two teams are
meeting for the fourth straight year for the MSFA Mideast title in
the final regular season game. The Cougars have won each meeting.
Walsh's only win came at St. Francis (44-41) in overtime in
1998.

Tuesday, November 12, 2002

"Cavs Move Up One Spot to 17th in Latest NAIA
Poll"

Walsh (8-2, 4-1) moved one notch from 18th to 17th in the latest
NAIA Football rating. Walsh closes the regular season this
Saturday at 6th ranked St. Francis (9-0, 5-0). If Walsh wins, they
will win a share of the Mideast Mid-States Football Association
championship for the second straight season and qualify for the
NAIA Playoffs for the first time. Game time in 1 p.m. on Saturday.
The game will be broadcast live on AM 640 WHLO.

Monday, November 11, 2002

"Cavs Play For NAIA Playoffs and MSFA Mideast Title
Saturday at St. Francis"

NAIA 16th ranked Walsh improved to 8-2 overall and 4-1 in the
Mideast of the Mid-States Football Association with a 51-0 rout of
Urbana University (1-9, 1-4) on Saturday. The win equals Walsh's
highest win total at 8, set last year when the Cavs finished 8-3.
This Saturday Walsh travels to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to meet St.
Francis (9-0, 5-0) for the Mideast title and a NAIA playoff berth.
Walsh and St. Francis have met for the Mideast title in the season
finale in each of the last three years with St. Francis winning
each time.

Walsh exploded for 38 first half points in their rout of Urbana.
All of Walsh's points came in the first three quarters. Derek
Besgrove (Jr., Oregon, OH/Clay) rushed for 197 yards and scored two
TDs (3,1 yds.), all in the first half. Besgrove also set a single
season mark for rushing with 1,527 yards. Winston Woods (Sr., Key
Largo, FL/Coral Shores) completed 6-10 passes for 137 yards and 2
TDs, all in the first half. Chris Brink (Jr., Wadsworth, OH) caught
four passes for 100 yards, one for a 27 yard score which opened the
scoring in the first quarter. Defensive back Darryl Lyons (So.,
Toledo, OH/Waite) intercepted a pass in the second quarter and
returned it 75 yards for a score. For Lyons, it was his MSFA league
leading 7th interception and the second time that he has returned
an interception for a TD. Walsh out-gained Urbana 486 to 215 and
rushed for 324 yards.

NAIA 6th ranked St. Francis (9-0, 5-0) gained sole possession of
first place in the Mideast with a 48-28 win over Tri-State on
Saturday. The Cougars, who are averaging 48.1 points per game,
jumped to a 21-0 first half lead and then scored 20 fourth quarter
points to ice the win. Tailback Luther Stroder rushed for 102 yards
and scored 4 touchdowns, reaching the end zone on runs of 2, 5, 6
and 7 yards. The Cougars balanced attack produced 194 yards on the
ground and 192 yards through the air. Stroder has scored 20 TDs to
lead the MSFA. He is averaging 8.3 yards per carry and has rushed
for 837 yards. Quarterback Antoine Taylor has passed for 1,986
yards with 13 TDs and 12 interceptions. Stroder has also been
Taylor's favorite receiver with 27 catches, one for a TD. Walsh and
the Cougars are meeting for the 5th time, with St. Francis holding
a 3-1 advantage. Last season Walsh entered the last game in first
place in the Mideast with a 5-0 mark, but lost at home 30-12. The
two teams finished in a three-way tie for the title with Tri-State
at 5-1, with Tri-State and St. Francis receiving the post season
nods. Walsh has never qualified for the NAIA playoffs. Their only
win against St. Francis came in overtime at Ft. Wayne 44-41 in
1998. The game will be broadcast live on AM 640 WHLO.

Saturday, November 9, 2002

"Cavs Rout Urbana 51-0/Meet St. Francis For MSFA Title
Next Saturday"

Walsh improved to 8-2 overall and 4-1 in the Mideast side of the
Mid-States Football Association with a 51-0 rout of Urbana
University (1-9, 1-4) today. The win equals Walsh's highest win
total at 8, set last year when the Cavs finished 8-3. Next week the
Cavs travel to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to meet St. Francis (9-0, 5-0)
for the Mideast title and a NAIA playoff berth. Walsh and St.
Francis have met for the Mideast title in the season finale in each
of the last three years with St. Francis winning each time.

Walsh exploded for 38 first half points in their rout of Urbana.
All of Walsh's points came in the first three quarters. Derek
Besgrove rushed for 197 yards and scored two TDs (3,1 yds.), all in
the first half. Besgrove has now set a single season mark for
rushing with 1,527 yards. Winston Woods completed 6-10 passes for
137 yards and 2 TDs, all in the first half. Chris Brink caught four
passes for 100 yards, one for a 27 yard score, which opened the
scoring in the first quarter. Defensive back Darryl Lyons
intercepted a pass in the second quarter and returned it 75 yards
for a score. For Lyons, it was his MSFA league leading 7th
interception and the second time that he has returned an
interception for a TD.

Walsh out-gained 486 to 215 and rushed for 324 yards.

Monday, November 2, 2002

(7-2, 3-1) "Cavs Fall at Geneva/Host Urbana on
Saturday"

Walsh fell to 7-2 after losing 21-17 at Gannon on Saturday. The
loss was especially tough for the NAIA 13th ranked Cavs because
they led 17-0 at the half. This week the Cavs play their final
regular season home game against Urbana (1 p.m.) at Fawcett Stadium
in a Mid-States Mideast game.

Things looked good for the Cavs as they scored on their first
two possessions at Gannon to take a 14-0 lead. Derek Besgrove (Jr.,
Oregon, OH/Clay) scored on a 1 yard run, which was followed by a 46
yard TD pass from Winston Woods (Sr., Key Largo, FL/Coral Shores)
to Chris Brink (Jr., Wadsworth, OH/HS). The Cavs followed the two
TDs with a 26 yard second quarter field goal by Justin Moran (Fr.,
Coshocton, OH/HS) to lead 17-0 at the half. Walsh opened the second
half by driving to the Gannon 32 yard line before fumbling the ball
away. The Knights turned the turnover into points and then
steamrolled their way to a 21-17 win with a TD at the 2:28 mark of
the fourth quarter. Gannon out-gained the Cavs 414 to 247 in total
yardage and held the Cavs to three first downs in the second half.
Gannon also controlled the football for 21 of 30 minutes in the
second half. Besgrove led the Cavs with 124 yards, but gained only
20 yards in the second half. He still leads the MSFA in yards
gained with 1,330 and is second in rushing touchdowns with 14.

Walsh and Urbana (1-8, 1-3) meet for the eighth time on
Saturday. The Cavs won 59-7 last year and have won all seven of the
previous meetings. Urbana gave MSFA Mideast co-leader Tri-State all
they could handle last Saturday, before falling 21-14. The Blue
Knights scored two early fourth quarter TDs to close the Thunder
lead to 21-14, but had their final two drives end on an
interception and punt. Both Urbana scores came on big plays; a 52
yard run by Mike McConnell and a 57 yard run by Terris Sutton.
Urbana is giving up 40.0 points per game and over 400 yards of
total offense per game.

The game will be broadcast live on AM 640 WHLO.

Football Game Notes/Gannon Game Saturday, November 2,
2002 KICKOFF: Saturday, November 2, at Gannon University Field 1
p.m.

BROADCAST: AM 640 WHLO live at 12:50 p.m.

STADIUM: Gannon University Field (2,500)

2002 RECORD: Walsh (7-1) vs. Gannon (4-5) non-league game
NAIA

RANKING: Walsh #13th NAIA, 19th Hansen Gazette

SERIES: Walsh leads all-time series 2-0 and won 31-28 last year
at Fawcett Stadium.

WALSH: Walsh's Derek Besgrove rushed for a Walsh record 317
yards and scored twice, as the Cavs beat Geneva 31-7 in a Mideast,
Mid-States Football Association game at Fawcett Stadium. The
300-yard rushing game was the first in Walsh history. The big day
earned Besgrove MFSA Player of the Week honors for the third time
this season. Besgrove opened the scoring with a 71-yard TD run at
the 8:37 mark of the first quarter. The Cavs tacked on a 41-yard
Justin Moran field goal at the 2:44 mark of the first quarter and
led 10-0 at the half. Geneva scored the only points of the third
quarter, when Ben Swallow hit Jerome Moss for a 29-yard TD on third
and 28 to slice the Walsh lead to 10-7. Walsh scored 21 fourth
quarter points to put the game away, keyed by two interceptions.
The first, by Darryl Lyons, was for 53-yards and at TD at the 10:40
mark to give Walsh a 17-7 lead. For Lyons it was his league leading
sixth interception of the year. Lyons also blocked a punt late in
the first half. On Geneva's next possession, Mike Hemming
intercepted Swallow on the Geneva 41 yard line and returned it 11
yards to the 30 yard line to set-up Walsh's next score. Besgrove
ran the ball five times for 30 yards and scored from the 4 yard
line to give Walsh a 24-7 advantage. The Cavs capped the scoring
when Jeremy Werner raced 19 yards for a score with 5:05 to play.
Besgrove rushed for a Walsh record 317 yards and went over the
1,000 yard mark for the second time in his career. He has rushed
for 1,206 yards.

BEST START The Cavs 7-1 start is their best start in school
history.

MOVIN ON UP: Walsh jumped one spot to 13th in the latest NAIA
Top 25 coaches poll. They have been as high as 6th.

OUT OF LEAGUE: Walsh is 3-0 against non-league opponents and
2-0 against NCAA opponents this season. The Cavs beat NCAA division
three Westminster 28-26 and division two West Liberty 27-6. Walsh's
all-time record against NCAA foes is 7-4.

LEADERS: Derek Besgrove leads the MSFA in rushing averaging
150.8 ypg and in all purpose yardage (166.2 ypg). He is third in
scoring (9.8 ppg) and is second in touchdowns with 11. Darryl Lyons
leads the MSFA lead with six interceptions and in kick returns
(34.6). Walsh is tied for first in turnover margin at plus 14.
Walsh is fourth in scoring defense allowing only 13.4 points per
game and they have held their last two opponents to 7 points with a
shutout.

ROAD WARRIORS: Walsh's all-time road record is 27-12.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Walsh's Derek Besgrove was named MSFA
Mideast Offensive Player of the Week and NAIA National Offensive
Player of the Week. Darryl Lyons was named Defensive Player of the
Week giving the Cavs a sweep of player of the week honors. The Cavs
have had a player honored in every week but one. Besgrove has won
the honor three times and Lyons twice. Former winners include,
Winston Woods (offense), Andy Berkowitz (defensive), Darryl Lyons
(defense) and NAIA National Player of the Week, Doug Schwaberow
(defensive) Derek Besgrove won offensive honors twice.

INJURY UPDATE: Offensive tackle Joe Lowther missed last weeks
games and is still doubtful due to an ankle sprain suffered in the
Taylor game.

GANNON: The Golden Knights (4-5) are coming off a 49-21 win over
Roberts Morris, in which they held them to minus 23 yards rushing.
The win snapped Gannon's three game losing streak. Quarterback
Darmel Whitfield passed for one score and rushed for three others.
Whitfield completed 14 of 23 passes for 215 yards and set a Gannon
record for passing yardage in a single season (1,695). SERIES: This
will be the third meeting between the Cavs and Golden Knights, with
Walsh holding a 2-0 advantage. The Cavs won 44-0 at Gannon two
years ago and 31-28 at Fawcett Stadium last year. Derek Besgrove
rushed for 103 yards and scored twice in the win, but it was a
Winston Woods TD pass in the third quarter that provided the
winning margin.

Tuesday, October 29, 2002

"Cavs 13th in Latest Poll/Besgrove National Player of
the Week"

Walsh (7-1) moved up one spot to 13th in the NAIA's latest Top
25 coaches poll. The Cavs have moved up one notch in each of the
last two weeks. Walsh defeated Geneva 31-7 last Saturday. The Cavs
play a non-league at Gannon University (Erie, PA) on Saturday at 1
p.m. Derek Besgrove (Jr., Oregon, OH/Clay) has been named the NAIA
Football Offensive Player of the Week, for the week ending October
27, 2002. Besgrove, a six-two junior running back from Oregon,
Ohio, rushed for 317 yards in the Cavaliers 31-7 victory over
Geneva College (Pa.). He had two touchdown runs, one for 71 yards
and another for four yards. The 317 yards were amassed on 40
carries and were the most yards gained in school history. Besgrove
went over the 1000-yard rushing plateau for the second time in his
career and now has 1,206 yards on the season. With the win, Walsh
improves to 3-1 in their conference and 7-1 on the year.

Saturday, October 26, 2002

Walsh 31 Geneva 7

Walsh's Derek Besgrove (Jr., Oregon, OH/Clay) rushed for a Walsh
record 317 yards and scored twice, as the Cavs beat Geneva 31-7 in
a Mideast, Mid-States Football Association game at Fawcett Stadium.
The 300-yard rushing was the first in Walsh history. The win
improved the NAIA 14th ranked Cavaliers to 7-1 overall and 3-1 in
the MSFA. The loss drops Geneva to 3-5 and 1-3 in the MSFA. The win
was the second straight for the Cavs. Their 7-1 start is the best
in school history. Besgrove opened the scoring with a 71-yard TD
run at the 8:37 mark of the first quarter. The Cavs tacked on a
41-yard Justin Moran field goal at the 2:44 mark of the first
quarter and led 10-0 at the half. Geneva scored the only points of
the third quarter, when Ben Swallow hit Jerome Moss for a 29-yard
TD on third and 28 to slice the Walsh lead to 10-7. Walsh scored 21
fourth quarter points to put the game away, keyed by two
interceptions. The first, by Darryl Lyons, was for 53-yards and at
TD at the 10:40 mark to give Walsh a 17-7 lead. For Lyons it was
his league leading sixth interception of the year. On Geneva's next
possession, Mike Hemming intercepted Swallow on the Geneva 41 yard
line and returned it 11 yards to the 30 yard line to set-up Walsh's
next score. Besgrove ran the ball five times for 30 yards and
scored from the 4 yard line to give Walsh a 24-7 advantage. The
Cavs capped the scoring when Jeremy Werner raced 19 yards for a
score with 5:05 to play. Besgrove rushed for a Walsh record 317
yards and also went over the 1,000 yard mark for the second time in
his career. He had 1,206 yards for the season and leads the MSFA in
rushing and rushing TDs with 13. Walsh is on the road for a
non-league game with Gannon next Saturday in Erie, PA at 1 p.m.

WALSH: NAIA 14th ranked Walsh University improved to 6-1 overall
and 2-1 in the Mideast of the Mid-States Football Association with
a 55-0 win over Taylor University last Saturday. The 55-point
margin of victory is the largest in Walsh history. Senior
quarterback Winston Woods (Sr., Key Largo, FL/Coral Shores HS)
passed for four TD's and 174 yards, completing 7 of 11 passes. He
was named MSFA Mideast Offensive Player of the Week. The four TD
passes ties a record that Woods held with two others. Woods
connected twice with Chris Brink (TE, Jr., Wadsworth, OH/HS) for
scores, once for 80 yards and another for 8 yards. Woods also hit
on a 26-yarder to Raphael Worthy (TB, So., Toledo, OH/Start) and
opened the scoring with an 8 yard pass to Andre Lessears (WR, Sr.,
Akron, OH/Buchtel) in the first quarter. Walsh totaled 552 yards of
total offense and held Taylor to 210 yards. The Cavs rushed for 364
yards, led by Worthy's 112 yards on only 15 carries. Worthy also
caught a TD pass and rushed for two scores, one for 56 yards. MSFA
rushing leader Derek Besgrove (TB, Jr., Oregon, OH/Clay) rushed for
96 yards and scored his MSFA leading 11th TD on a 7 yard run.
Willie Brown (TB, Fr., Toledo, OH/Waite) also scored on a 67 yard
run with 4:49 to play. Ryan McGraw (DB, Fr., Coshocton, OH/HS) and
Alex Gray (DB, So., Cleveland, OH/Orange) each had interceptions
for the Cavs. Walsh has recorded 19 INT's for the year. Jay Racick
(LB, Jr., Girard, OH/HS) and Doug Schwaberow (OLB, Sr., Akron,
OH/Springfield HS) led the Cavs with 10 tackles each.

BEST START: The Cavs 6-1 start is their best start in school
history.

MOVIN ON UP: Walsh jumped two spots to 14th in latest NAIA Top
25 coaches poll. They have been as high as 6th.

LEADERS: Derek Besgrove leads MSFA in rushing averaging 127.0
ypg, and second in all purpose yardage with 144.7 ypg. He is third
in scoring (9.4 ppg) and is second in touchdowns with 11. Darryl
Lyons leads the MSFA lead with five interceptions and in kick
returns (36.4). Walsh is second in the MSFA in turnover margin
(+10).

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Walsh's Winston Woods was named MSFA
Mideast Offensive Player of the Week ,giving the Cavs a player of
the week in all but one week. Former winners include Andy Berkowitz
(defensive), Darryl Lyons (defense) and NAIA National Player of the
Week, Doug Schwaberow (defensive) Derek Besgrove won offensive
honors twice.

INJURY UPDATE: Offensive tackle Joe Lowther is doubtful due to
an ankle sprain suffered in the Taylor game.

GENEVA: The Golden Tornadoes lost 26-6 to Tri-State last
Saturday to fall to 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the MSFA. Geneva was
also 3-4 when they met the Cavs in Beaver Fall last season. Running
back Josh Mullen rushed for 60 yards and scored Geneva's only TD on
a 1 yard run. Kelly Lenox led Geneva with 72 yards rushing.
Quarterback Ben Swallow (West Branch HS) was 16 for 32 for 212
yards with 2 interceptions. He was sacked 5 times. Aaron Price
caught 6 passes for 76 yards.

NOT MANY: Geneva has had only two losing seasons under Geno
DeMarco (1993, 2001). They have not had back-to-back losing seasons
since 1991-93. DeMarco became head coach in 1993. They have reached
the NAIA Playoffs three times under DeMarco.

SERIES: This will be the seventh meeting between the Cavs and
Golden Tornadoes. Geneva leads the series 6-1 and has never lost at
Fawcett Stadium to the Cavs. Walsh won for the first time last
season, rallying from 10 points down in the fourth quarter, and in
overtime, to win 37-34. Derek Besgrove scored the winning TD in
overtime on a 23 yard screen pass from Winston Woods on third and
18.

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR: Former NAIA first team defensive
All-American Darian Tate, will be honored at halftime on Saturday.
Tate was Walsh's Male Athlete of the Year last year. He is
currently on injured reserve with the Carolina Panthers. Walsh will
also honor Female Athlete of the Year Lindsey Wilt
(volleyball).

Tuesday, October 22, 2002

"Cavs 14th in NAIA's Latest Poll"

Walsh (6-1, 2-1) moved up two places to 14th in the NAIA's
latest Top 25 coaches poll. Walsh defeated Taylor 55-0 last
Saturday. The Cavs have been ranked as high as sixth. Walsh hosts
Geneva in a Mideast, Mid-States Football Association game this
Saturday at 11 a.m. at Fawcett Stadium. the game will be broadcast
live on AM 640 WHLO.

Monday, October 21, 2002

(6-1, 2-1) "Cavs 6-1 For First Time/Woods Tosses 4 TD's
in Taylor Drubbing/Woods MSFA Player of the Week"

NAIA sixteenth ranked Walsh University improved to 6-1 overall
and 2-1 in the Mideast of the Mid-States Football Association with
a 55-0 win over Taylor University on Homecoming Saturday. The
55-point margin of victory is the largest in Walsh history. The
Cavs host Geneva in a Mideast game this Saturday at 11 a.m. Senior
quarterback Winston Woods (Sr., Key Largo, FL/Coral Shores HS)
passed for four TD's and 174 yards, completing 7 of 11 passes. He
was named MSFA Mideast Offensive Player of the Week. The four TD
passes ties a record that Woods held with two others. Woods
connected twice with Chris Brink (TE, Jr., Wadsworth, OH/HS) for
scores, once for 80 yards and another for 8 yards. Woods also hit
on a 26 yarder to Raphael Worthy (TB, So., Toledo, OH/Start) and
opened the scoring with an 8 yard pass to Andre Lessears (WR, Sr.,
Akron, OH/Buchtel) in the first quarter. Walsh totaled 552 yards of
total offense and held Taylor to 210 yards. The Cavs rushed for 364
yards, led by Worthy's 112 yards on only 15 carries. Worthy also
caught a TD pass and rushed for two scores, one for 56 yards. MSFA
rushing leader Derek Besgrove (TB, Jr., Oregon, OH/Clay) rushed for
96 yards and scored his MSFA leading 11th TD on a 7 yard run. The
Cavs capped the scoring on a 67 yard run by Willie Brown (TB, Fr.,
Toledo, OH/Waite) with 4:49 to play. Walsh led 7-0 after one
quarter, 27-0 at the half and 48-0 after three quarters. Ryan
McGraw (DB, Fr., Coshocton, OH/HS) and Alex Gray (DB, So.,
Cleveland, OH/Orange) each had interceptions for the Cavs. Walsh
has recorded 19 INT's for the year. Jay Racick (LB, Jr., Girard,
OH/HS) and Doug Schwaberow (OLB, Sr., Akron, OH/Springfield HS) led
the Cavs with 10 tackles each. Walsh is home to Geneva (3-4, 1-1)
for a MSFA Mideast game on Saturday at 11 a.m. The Golden Tornadoes
lost 26-6 to Tri-State on Saturday. Running back Josh Mullen rushed
for 60 yards and scored Geneva's only TD on a 1 yard run. Kelly
Lenox led Geneva with 72 yards rushing. Quarterback Ben Swallow was
16 for 32 for 212 yards with 2 interceptions. He was sacked 5
times. Aaron Price caught 6 passes for 76 yards. Geneva leads the
all-time series 6-1. Walsh's only win came in overtime 37-34 at
Geneva last season. Derek Besgrove scored on a screen play in the
OT for the win. The game will be broadcast live on AM 640 WHLO.

Saturday, October 19, 2002

Walsh 55 Taylor 0

Walsh University improved to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the Mideast
of the Mid-States Football Association with a 55-0 win over Taylor
University. The loss dropped the Trojans to 2-5 overall and 0-3 in
the Mideast of the MSFA. The 55-point margin of victory is the
largest in Walsh history. Senior quarterback Winston Woods passed
for four TD's and 174 yards, completing 7 of 11 passes. The four TD
passes ties a record that Woods held with two others. Woods
connected twice with Chris Brink, once for an 80-yard score and
again for 8 yards. He also hit on a 26-yarder to Raphael Worthy and
opened the scoring with an 8 yard pass to Andre Lessears in the
first quarter. Walsh rolled up totaled 552 yards of total offense
and held Taylor to 210 yards. The Cavs rushed for 364 yards, led by
Worthy's 112 yards on only 15 carries. Worthy caught a TD pass and
rushed for two scores, one for 56 yards. MSFA rushing leader Derek
Besgrove rushed for 96 yards and scored his MSFA leading 11th TD on
a 7 yard run. The Cavs capped the scoring on a 67 yard run by
Willie Brown with 4:49 to play. Walsh led 7-0 after one quarter,
27-0 at the half and 48-0 after three quarters. Ryan McGraw and
Alex Gray each had interceptions for the Cavs. Walsh has recorded
19 INT's for the year. Walsh is home to Geneva in a MSFA Mideast
game next Saturday at 11 a.m..

Football Game Notes/Taylor Game

KICKOFF: Saturday, October 19, at Fawcett Stadium at 1 p.m IT IS
HOMECOMING FOR WALSH

SECURITES: Coolers, Large Bags and Back-packs are prohibited at
Fawcett Stadium

WALSH: NAIA 16th ranked Walsh fell to 5-1 and 1-1 in the Mideast
of the Mid-States Football Association after being shutout 22-0 at
Tri-State last Saturday. It was the first time that Walsh has been
shutout on the road and since their first game in 1995, when Geneva
blanked them 20-0. The Tri-State loss also knocked Walsh out of
first place for the first time since the 2000 season. The Cavs were
in first place from start to finish last season. The Thunder held
MSFA rushing leader Derek Besgrove (Jr., Oregon, OH/Clay) to a
season low 79 yards rushing and limited the Cavs to only 116 yards
rushing. Winston Woods (Sr., Key Largo, FL/Coral Shores) passed for
143 yards, with Andre Lessears (Sr., Akron, OH/Buchtel) making five
catches for 45 yards. Tri-State's Pete Hobbs rushed for 185 yards
and a touchdown. The Thunder rolled-up 448 yards to Walsh's 262 in
recording their second straight shutout. Walsh was inside the
Tri-State 36-yard line seven times. Three of the drives ended on
turnovers and another on a missed field goal. The Cavs did tie a
team record with four interceptions, two by Mike Hemming (Sr.,
Warsaw, OH/River View). Darryl Lyons (So., Toledo, OH/Waite) also
picked off his team leading fifth pass.

EQUAL, BUT LOOKING FOR MORE: The Cavs 5-1 start equals their
start in 1999, when they started 5-0 before losing to Taylor 33-21.
Walsh has never been 6-1.

STILL ROAD WARRIORS: Walsh's all-time road record is 27-12.

A SET BACK: Walsh fell ten places to 16th in the latest NAIA Top
25 coaches poll.

LEADERS: Derek Besgrove leads MSFA in rushing averaging 132.2
ypg, but is second in touchdowns with ten and in all purpose
yardage with 149.7 ypg. He is second in scoring (12.0 ppg). Darryl
Lyons leads the MSFA lead with five interceptions and is second in
kick returns (32.9). Walsh is second in the MSFA in turnover margin
(+9). Taylor's Brock Ricks (DB) is second in the MSFA in tackles
with and average of 11.0 per game, but leads in total tackles with
66.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Walsh's streak of having a Mid-States
Player of the Week ended this week. Andy Berkowitz was named the
Mideast's top defensive player last week. Walsh had had a player of
the week every week. Berkowitz registered nine solo tackles, two
assists with three tackles for a minus of 17 yards and three
quarterback sacks for a minus 17 yards in Walsh's 29-22 double
overtime win over Malone. Darryl Lyons earned the honor two weeks
ago, along with NAIA National Player of the Week honors. Doug
Schwaberow earned the defensive honor in week two and Derek
Besgrove won offensive honors after the first game and the fourth
game..

INJURY UPDATE: Outside linebacker Anthony Katschke is set to
return after missing the last four games due to a separated
shoulder. Tight end Chris Brink is out due to a pulled groin.

TAYLOR: This is Taylor's first year in the Mideast of the MSFA.
They finished 2-8 overall last year and 2-5 in the Midwest. Taylor
lost 28-21 at Urbana last Saturday, their second straight defeat.
The Trojans? Scott Herr scored twice against Urbana, once on a 10
yard pass and the other on a 20 yard run. He leads the Trojans with
318 yards rushing and is averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The
21-points scored in defeat was the most that they scored when
losing. They were shutout by Trinity (14-0) and Tri-State (31-0)
and lost 16-7 to William Penn. The Trojans have scored 73 points in
their two wins, 31-30 in overtime against Anderson and 42-7 over
Iowa Wesleyan.

TAYLOR'S THIRD QUARTER BLUES: The Trojans have been outscored
40-7 in the third quarter.

SERIES: This will be the third meeting between the Cavs and
Trojans. The series is tied 1-1. Taylor won the last meeting 33-21
in 1999. Walsh won the only meeting at Taylor 34-0 in 1996.
HOMECOMING FLOSSIE TWINS: Taylor's Adam and Ben Flossie played at
Akron Garfield High School . Their father, Bruce, also played for
the Rams and for Coach Dennison at Akron, with his twin brother
Ben.

Tuesday, October 15, 2002

"Cavs Fall to 16th in Latest NAIA Poll"

Walsh (5-1, 1-1) fell from 6th to 16th in the NAIA's top 25
rankings. The Cavs had their five-game winning streak snapped 22-0
at Tri-State last Saturday. The Thunder moved into the top 25 at
number 24 with the win. Walsh plays Taylor at home in a Mideast
Mid-States Football Association game on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Monday, October 14, 2002

"(5-1, 1-1) Cavs Blanked (22-0) For First Time Since
First Game in 1995"

NAIA sixth ranked Walsh fell to 5-1 and 1-1 in the Mideast of
the Mid-States Football Association after being shutout 22-0 at
Tri-State on Saturday. It was the first time that Walsh has been
shutout since their first game in 1995, when Geneva blanked them
20-0. The 22-0 shutout was also Walsh's first on the road. Walsh's
all-time road record is 27-12. Walsh started football in 1995. The
Cavs 5-1 start equals their start in 1999, when they started 5-0
before losing to Taylor 33-21. The Tri-State loss also knocked
Walsh out of first place for the first time since the 2000 season.
The Cavs were in first place from start to finish last season. This
week, Walsh meets Taylor (2-4, 0-2) in a Mideast Mid-States
Football Association game at Fawcett Stadium at 1 p.m. After a
scoreless first quarter, Tri-State scored ten second quarter points
to take a 10-0 halftime lead. They scored a third-quarter TD and
added five points in the fourth quarter on a safety and field goal.
The Thunder held MSFA rushing leader Derek Besgrove (Jr., Oregon,
OH/Clay) to a season low 79 yards rushing and limited the Cavs to
only 116 yards rushing. Winston Woods passed for 143 yards, with
Andre Lessears (Sr., Akron, OH/Buchtel) making five catches for 45
yards. Tri-State's Pete Hobbs rushed for 185 yards and a touchdown.
The Thunder rolled-up 448 yards to Walsh's 262 in recording their
second straight shutout. Walsh was inside the Tri-State 36-yard
line seven times. Three of the drives ended on turnovers and
another on a missed field goal. The Cavs did tie a team record with
four interceptions, two by Mike Hemming (Sr., Warsaw, OH/River
View). Darryl Lyons (So., Toledo, OH/Waite) also picked off his
team leading fifth pass. Walsh is home to Taylor on Saturday at 1
p.m. Taylor lost 28-21 at Urbana on Saturday. The Trojans' Scott
Herr scored twice against Urbana, once on a 10 yard pass and the
other on a 20 yard run. He leads the Trojans with 318 yards rushing
and is averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Taylor has lost their last
two games. The all-time series is tied 1-1. Taylor won the last
meeting 33-21 at Fawcett Stadium in 1999.

Saturday, October 12, 2002

"Cavs Blanked For First Time Since 1995"

Walsh (5-1, 1-1) had its five game winning streak snapped, as
Tri-State (3-2, 2-0) blanked the Cavs 22-0 in Angola, Indiana
today. The shutout was only the second against the Cavs and first
since their first game in 1995 when Geneva turned the trick 20-0.
After a scoreless first quarter, Tri-State scored ten second
quarter points to take a 10-0 halftime lead. They scored a
third-quarter TD and added five points in the fourth quarter on a
safety and field goal. The Thunder held MSFA rushing leader Derek
Besgrove to a season low 79 yards, as they limited the Cavs to only
116 yards rushing. Winston Woods passed for 143 yards, with Andre
Lessears making five catches for 45 yards. Tri-State running back
Pete Hobbs rushed for 185 yards and a touchdown. The Thunder
rolled-up 448 yards to Walsh's 262 in recording their second
straight shutout. Walsh is home to Taylor (2-4, 0-2) next Saturday
at 1 p.m. Taylor lost 28-21 at Urbana today. Next Saturday's game
with the Trojan's is homecoming for the Cavs. The all-time series
is tied 1-1. Taylor won the last meeting 33-21 at Fawcett Stadium
in 1999.

WALSH: Walsh improved to 5-0 and 1-0 in the Mideast of the
Mid-States Football Association after beating Malone 29-22 in two
overtimes. The win equals Walsh's best start in school history
(1999) at 5-0. The Cavs have never won their first six games. The
win also kept the Dick Gallagher Memorial Trophy in the Cavs' hands
for the fourth consecutive season. Walsh has won four straight
games from Malone and lead the all-time series 5-3. Walsh's Derek
Besgrove (TB, 6-2, 206, Jr., Oregon, OH/Clay) rushed for 185 yards
and scored both of Walsh's TD's in overtime. He scored on runs of
81, 1 and 5-yards. For the season, Besgrove has rushed for 714
yards in five games. Besgrove's 100-yard rushing game was the 16th
of his career. Malone scored first in overtime on a three-yard pass
to lead 22-15. Walsh came back behind Besgrove and tied the game on
a 1-yard run and point after at 22-22. Walsh scored on their next
possession to take a 29-22 lead as Besgrove scored from five yards
out. Walsh's defense took over on what would be Malone's final
possession. Andy Berkowitz (DL, 6-3, 246, Jr., Barberton, OH/HS)
recorded a sack on second down which set-up Ryan McGraw's (DB,
5-10, 175, Fr., Coshocton, OH/HS) game-ending interception on the
19-yard line on third down.

HOLDING PATTERN: Walsh remained sixth in the latest NAIA Top 25.
Tri-State received votes.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Walsh kept its streak of having a
Mid-States Player of the Week intact, when Barebrton's Andy
Berkowitz (DT, 6-3, 246, Jr.,/Barberton HS) was named the Mideast's
top defensive player. Walsh has had a player of the week every
week. Berkowitz registered nine solo tackles, two assists with
three tackles for a minus of 17 yards and three quarterback sacks
for a minus 17 yards in Walsh's 29-22 double overtime win over
Malone. Darryl Lyons earned the honor two weeks ago, along with
NAIA National Player of the Week honors. Doug Schwaberow earned the
defensive honor in week two and Derek Besgrove won offensive honors
after the first game and the fourth game..

LEADERS: Derek Besgrove leads MSFA in touchdowns with ten, in
rushing averaging 142.8 ypg and in all purpose yardage with 163.
pg. He is second in scoring (12.0 ppg). Darryl Lyons is tied for
MSFA lead with four interceptions and is second in kick returns
(31.8). Jay Racick is second in tackles per game (11.8). Walsh is
second in the MSFA in turnover margin (+8). INJURY UPDATE: Outside
linebacker Anthony Katschke is out for the third straight week due
to a separated shoulder.

TRI-STATE: Tri-State snapped a two-game losing streak with a
31-0 pounding of Taylor in the MSFA Mideast opener for both teams.
The Thunder scored 14 first quarter points and never looked back.
Running back Pete Hobbs scored on runs of 3,1, and 11-yards and
rushed for 142 yards. Quarterback Jon Bethuram completed 18 of 30
passes for 220 yards and a touchdown. The Thunder defense held
Taylor to 35 yards on the ground and only 110 yards passing.

LEADERS: The Thunder lead the MSFA in passing, averaging 281.5
ypg and first downs (104). TSU have been penalized for a MSFA-low
198 yards, with only 22 flags in four games. They are second in
total offense, averaging 427.2 ypg. SERIES: This will be the ninth
meeting between the two schools with Walsh holding a 7-1 advantage.
The Cavs won 24-17 last year at Fawcett Stadium on Derek Besgrove's
fourth quarter TD. Tri-State would fail twice in attempts to tie
the game in the waning moments.

Tuesday, October 8, 2002

"Berkowitz MSFA Defensive Player of the Week/Cavs Remain
6th in Latest NAIA Poll"

Walsh kept its streak of having a Mid-States Player of the Week
intact, when Barebrton's Andy Berkowitz (DT, 6-3, 246,
Jr.,/Barberton HS) was named the Mideast's top defensive player.
Berkowitz registered nine solo tackles, two assists with three
tackles for a minus of 17 yards and three quarterback sacks for a
minus 17 yards in Walsh's 29-22 double overtime win over Malone.
Berkowitz recorded a sack in overtime, which preceded a
game-winning interception by teammate Ryan McGraw. Walsh has had a
player of the week for five straight weeks. Walsh (5-0, 1-0)
remained sixth in the NAIA's fifth rating. There was no change in
the top 13 spots. The Cavs are on the road at Tri-State this week
for an Mideast MSFA game. The game will broadcast live on AM 640
WHLO.

NAIA sixth ranked Walsh improved to 5-0 and 1-0 in the Mideast
of the Mid-States Football Association after beating Malone 29-22
in two overtimes. The win equals Walsh's best start in school
history (1999) at 5-0. The win also kept the Dick Gallagher
Memorial Trophy in the Cavs' hands for the fourth consecutive
season. Walsh has won four straight games from Malone and lead the
all-time series 5-3. This week Walsh travels to Tri-State for a
Mideast game at 2:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on News
Talk 640 AM WHLO. Walsh's Derek Besgrove (TB, 6-2, 206, Jr.,
Oregon, OH/Clay) rushed for 185 yards and scored both of Walsh's
TD's in overtime. He scored on runs of 81, 1 and 5-yards. For the
season, Besgrove has rushed for 714-yards in five games. Besgrove's
100-yard rushing game was the 16th of his career. He leads the MSFA
in rushing, averaging 142.8 ypg. Malone took a 7-0 lead on a TD
pass at the 4:01 of the first quarter. Walsh answered in the second
quarter when Winston Woods (QB, 6-2, 211, Sr., Key Largo, FL/Coral
Shores) scored on a 17 yard run. Walsh's extra point was blocked
and they trailed 7-6. The Cavs took the halftime lead at the 5:03
mark when Besgrove raced 81-yards for a score. Walsh failed in an
attempt for two points, but led 12-7 at the half. Malone took a
22-15 lead in the third quarter on a four-yard run. Walsh tied the
game with four seconds to play in the third quarter on a 23-yard
field goal by Justin Moran (6-3, 177, Fr., Coshocton, OH/HS). Each
team failed on field goal attempts in the fourth quarter. Malone
missed a 41-yarder with 8:28 to play and Walsh's Moran had a
27-yarder blocked with 4:20 to play. Malone scored first in
overtime on a three-yard pass to lead 22-15. Walsh came back behind
Besgrove and tied the game on a 1-yard run and point after at
22-22. Walsh scored on their next possession to take a 29-22 lead
as Besgrove scored from five yards out. Walsh's defense took over
on what would be Malone's final possession. Andy Berkowitz (DL,
6-3, 246, Jr., Barberton, OH/HS) recorded a sack on second down
which set-up Ryan McGraw's (DB, 5-10, 175, Fr., Coshocton, OH/HS)
game-ending interception on the 19-yard line. Tri-State plays host
to the Cavs on Saturday. The Thunder evened the overall record at
2-2, as they won their Mideast opener 31-0 at Taylor. Pete Hobbs
scored three touchdowns and rushed for 142 yards on 27 carries.
Walsh and Tri-State are meeting for the ninth time, with Walsh
holding a 7-1 series lead. The Cavs won 24-17 last season.

Saturday, October 5, 2001

Walsh 29 Malone 22 2 OT

NAIA sixth ranked Walsh (5-0, 1-0) remained unbeaten with a
29-22 double overtime Mid-States Football Association Mideast win
over 23rd ranked Malone College (3-1, 0-1). Walsh's 5-0 start ties
a record for the best start in football history. Walsh's Derek
Besgrove rushed for 185 yards and scored both of Walsh's TD's in
overtime. He scored on runs of 81, 1 and 5-yards. For the season,
Besgrove has rushed for 714-yards in five games. Malone took a 7-0
lead when Eric Rector connected with Jason Diebler for a 16-yard
score at the 4:01 of the first quarter. Walsh got on the board in
the second quarter when QB Winston Woods scored on a 17 yard run.
Walsh's extra point was blocked and they trailed 7-6. Walsh took
the halftime lead at the 5:03 mark of the second quarter when
Besgrove raced for an 81-yard score. Walsh failed in an attempt for
two points and led 12-7 at the half. Malone regained the lead in
the third period on a four yard run by Eric Rector at the 7:37
mark. The extra point gave Malone a 22-15 lead. Walsh tied the game
with four seconds to play in the third quarter on a 23-yard FG by
Justin Moran. Each team failed on FG attempts in the fourth
quarter. Malone's Jeremy Rininger missed a 41-yarder with 8:28 to
play and Walsh's Justin Moran had a 27-yarder blocked with 4:20 to
play. Malone scored first in overtime, as Mike Wiggins caught a
three-yard pass from Rector. The point after gave Malone a 22-15
lead. Walsh came back behind Besgrove and tied the game on a 1-yard
run and point after at 22-22. Walsh scored on their next possession
to take a 29-22 lead as Besgrove scored from five yards out.
Walsh's Ryan McGraw then intercepted a Rector pass on third and 14
on the 19 yard line to win the game for the Cavs. Joel Peterson led
Malone with 147 yards rushing. Besgrove's 100-yard game was the
16th of his career. Walsh is at Tri-State for a MSFA game next
Saturday, Malone is home to Geneva for a MSFA game.

SECURITES: Coolers, Large Bags and Back-packs are prohibited at
Fawcett Stadium

GAME NOTES...

WALSH: Sixth ranked Walsh improved to 4-0 after beating St.
Francis (Ill.) 28-14 in Joliet, Illinois last Saturday night. The
win gave the Cavs a 4-0 start for the fourth time in school
history. Walsh's best start was in 1999 when they started 5-0 and
were ranked as high as fourth. Walsh scored 14 points in the second
and fourth quarters to post their fourth straight win. Mike Hemming
picked up a low snap and raced 27 yards for a score on a failed
field goal attempt. Raphael Worthy's seven yard run with 5:23 to
play in the half gave the Cavs a 14-0 halftime lead. St. Francis
scored twice in the third quarter to tie the game at 14. Walsh's
running game and their outstanding defense took over in the fourth
quarter as they scored two touchdowns to win. Derek Besgrove scored
on runs of 14 and 18 yards and rushed for a game high 145 yards.
Besgrove now has 15 career 100-yard games rushing. Besgrove leads
the MSFA in rushing (132.2 ypg) and in rushing touchdowns with
seven. The Cavs rolled up 301 yards rushing and out gained the
Fighting Saints 352 to 233. They also held USF to 23 yards on three
possessions and without a first down in the fourth quarter.

MOVIN' ON UP: Walsh moved up two notches to sixth in the latest
NAIA Top 25. Malone, who received votes last week, is ranked
23rd.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Derek Besgrove was named MSFA Player of the
Week for the second time this season. Darryl Lyons earned the honor
last week, along with NAIA National Player of the Week honors. Doug
Schwaberow earned the defensive honor in week two and Derek
Besgrove won offensive honors after the first ga